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Chitwan National Park
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Chitwan National Park, located in south-central Nepal, was the country's first national park, established in 1973. Spanning 952 square kilometers in the subtropical Terai lowlands, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1984. Chitwan is globally renowned for its successful conservation efforts regarding the Greater One-horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) and the Royal Bengal Tiger. The landscape is a mosaic of dense sal forests, tall grasslands, and riverine environments formed by the Narayani and Rapti rivers. The park hosts an extraordinary biodiversity, including over 50 mammal species, 500 bird species, and numerous reptiles such as the marsh mugger crocodile and the gharial. The indigenous Tharu community has inhabited the region for centuries, and their culture is deeply connected to the park's natural resources. Chitwan serves as a vital hub for wildlife research and ecological tourism in Asia.
- Location: Nepal
- Top sights: National Park HQ (gharial breeding project) · Sitamai Mandir · shiv mndir , phaarilaaettaar
- Nearby: Chitwan (Sauraha) (18 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Nov.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 15 | 19 | 24 | 29 | 31 | 31 | 29 | 28 | 27 | 24 | 20 | 16 |
| Rain mm | 13 | 20 | 24 | 38 | 104 | 220 | 363 | 281 | 203 | 57 | 3 | 5 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
Access is mostly via Sauraha, the main hub, or the quieter Meghauli area. Reach Sauraha by a comfortable tourist bus or short flight from Kathmandu to Bharatpur, followed by a quick local transfer.
Best season
The best time to visit is from October to early March, when weather is pleasantly cool. Late January to March gives excellent wildlife viewing as tall elephant grasses are cut, improving visibility.
Terrain & paths
The park consists of dense sub-tropical jungles, river valleys, and grasslands. Exploration involves guided jungle walks on flat trails, jeep safaris on dirt tracks, or traditional river canoe rides.
What to bring
Pack breathable clothing in neutral colors to blend in naturally. Essential items include strong mosquito repellent, comfortable walking shoes for jungle treks, a wide sun hat, and good binoculars.
Parking
Most visitors do not drive directly into the park itself. Secure parking is generally available at hotels in base towns like Sauraha, where local tour operators coordinate all onward park transport.
Safety
Never enter the jungle without an authorized local guide, as the park harbors rhinos and tigers. Always follow your guide's strict instructions, avoid loud noises, and stay on designated park paths.
Time needed
A standard visit lasts two to three days to experience a mix of jeep safaris, canoe trips, and walks. To maximize chances of spotting diverse wildlife across habitats, three nights are recommended.
Geography
Facts
- Chitwan was established in 1973 as the first national park in Nepal.
- The park was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1984.
- It hosts one of the world's largest populations of the one-horned rhino.
- The total area of the park is approximately 952.63 square kilometers.
- Over 540 different species of birds have been documented in the park.
- The park's elevation ranges from 100 meters to 815 meters above sea level.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Chitwan National Park (4)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What can you see in Chitwan National Park?
Famous for one-horned rhinos, Bengal tigers, and rare bird species.
Is it very hot there?
Yes, temperatures are very high, especially from March to May.
How to reach the park?
By flight to Bharatpur or tourist bus from Kathmandu.
Are there safaris?
Yes, guided jeep safaris and canoe trips are the best options.
Is malaria a risk?
There is a low risk, so mosquito protection is recommended.
Chitwan National Park: where is it located?
Chitwan National Park is located in Nepal.
Chitwan National Park: what is there to see?
Highlights include National Park HQ (gharial breeding project), Sitamai Mandir, shiv mndir, phaarilaaettaar.
Chitwan National Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Nov.
Chitwan National Park: why is it worth visiting?
Chitwan National Park, located in south-central Nepal, was the country's first national park, established in 1973.
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